Reinforcement fabrics with electronic transmission capabilities

ABSTRACT

Antennas using nonwoven geotextiles with embedded metallic or other wave carrying fibers are described herein. The geotextiles antennas are designed to be an internal, integral part of the nation&#39;s infrastructure. Geotextile antennas are flexible and easily conform to natural and manmade surfaces such as exterior building surfaces, for example, roads, roofs and bridges. Geotextile antennas are considerably less vulnerable to damage and probably much less expensive than the current, highly vulnerable and costly cell towers. In particular, geotextiles used in roads are especially well protected by the asphalt pavement above. The fabric-based conformal antenna enhances the usefulness and reliability of the communication infrastructure which is exceedingly vulnerable to vandalism, terrorism and natural disasters.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of theco-pending, co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/777,330,filed Feb. 28, 2006, and entitled “REINFORCEMENT FABRICS WITH ELECTRONICTRANSMISSION CAPABILITIES” which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of signal distribution. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to distributing signals viaa fabric with antenna capabilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As people become more reliant on wireless technology, improvements inproviding access to this wireless technology must grow as well. Forexample, many people complain about the quality of their cellular phonesignal. Clearly dropped calls and lack of reception are significantissues for both cellular phone service providers and customers.

Modern wireless and personal communications systems (e.g. cellularphones) operate using: low-power transmitters and small coverage areasor cells, frequency reuse, handoff, central control, and cell splittingto increase call capacity. Each cell requires a tower, antenna andtransceiver equipment.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical cell tower antenna array and raydome(fiberglass cover). The antenna is fragile and is able to be easilyrendered inoperable by natural catastrophes, weathering, vandalism andperhaps even deliberate, military attack. Any of these events, from atornado to a terrorist with a high powered rifle, is able to destroy theantenna and eliminate cellular service within a 25 km radius of thecellular tower. Removal of communications causes serious problems inemergency situations.

It is important to generate mechanically robust antennas to protect(harden) the communication infrastructure against catastrophic events.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Antennas using nonwoven geotextiles with embedded metallic or other wavecarrying fibers are described herein. The geotextiles antennas aredesigned to be an internal, integral part of the nation'sinfrastructure. Geotextile antennas are flexible and easily conform tonatural and manmade surfaces such as exterior building surfaces, forexample, roads, roofs and bridges. Geotextile antennas are considerablyless vulnerable to damage and probably much less expensive than thecurrent, highly vulnerable and costly cell towers. In particular,geotextiles used in roads are especially well protected by the asphaltpavement above. The fabric-based conformal antenna enhances theusefulness and reliability of the communication infrastructure which isexceedingly vulnerable to vandalism, terrorism and natural disasters.

In one aspect, a system for transmitting and receiving signals comprisesa geotextile and one or more antennas positioned on the geotextile fortransmitting and receiving the signals. The system further comprises apower source coupled to the one or more antennas for providing power.The power source is selected from the group consisting of apiezoelectric device, a solar panel and a battery. The one or moreantennas are coupled to each other by a signal carrier. The geotextileis selected from the group consisting of nonwoven, knitted and wovenfabrics. The one or more antennas are selected from the group consistingof metallic wires, metallic fibers and a conductive polymer. Thegeotextile and the one or more antennas are flexible. Locations of wherethe geotextile and the one or more antennas are placed include underroads and sidewalks, within foundations and tunnel walls, on roofs andbuilding walls and around trees. The geotextile includes electricallyconductive components that are approximately a resonant length. Thegeotextile and the one or more antennas include at least one ofelectromagnetic, radio signal and fiber optic capabilities. Thegeotextile and the one or more antennas transmit at least one ofcellular phone signals, television signals, radio signals and trackingsignals. Fibers of the geotextile are selected from polyester,polypropylene and polyethylene. The one or more antennas are embeddedwithin the geotextile. The one or more antennas lie on top of thegeotextile. The system further comprises a receiver for receiving thesignals from the one or more antennas. The one or more antennas areconfigured perpendicular to a road. The one or more antennas areselected from the group consisting of patch and dipole antennas. Thesystem further comprises one or more connectors for coupling the one ormore antennas to another connector.

In another aspect, a system for transmitting and receiving signalscomprises a geotextile, one or more antennas positioned on thegeotextile for transmitting and receiving the signals, a power sourcecoupled to the one or more antennas for providing power to the one ormore antennas and a receiver for receiving signals from the one or moreantennas. The power source is selected from the group consisting of apiezoelectric device, a solar panel and a battery. The one or moreantennas are coupled to each other by a signal carrier. The geotextileis selected from the group consisting of nonwoven, knitted and wovenfabrics. The one or more antennas are selected from the group consistingof metallic wires, metallic fibers and a conductive polymer. Thegeotextile and the one or more antennas are flexible. Locations of wherethe geotextile and the one or more antennas are placed include underroads and sidewalks, within foundations and tunnel walls, on roofs andbuilding walls and around trees. The geotextile includes electricallyconductive components that are approximately a resonant length. Thegeotextile and the one or more antennas include at least one ofelectromagnetic, radio signal and fiber optic capabilities. Thegeotextile and the one or more antennas serve to transmit at least oneof cellular phone signals, television signals, radio signals andtracking signals. Fibers of the geotextile are selected from polyester,polypropylene and polyethylene. The one or more antennas are embeddedwithin the geotextile. The one or more antennas lie on top of thegeotextile. The one or more antennas are configured perpendicular to aroad. The one or more antennas are selected from the group consisting ofpatch and dipole antennas. The system further comprises one or moreconnectors for coupling the one or more antennas to another connector.

In another aspect, a method of manufacturing a geotextile antennacomprises coupling one or more antennas to a geotextile. The antennasare coupled to each other to form a set of antennas. The method furthercomprises rolling out the geotextile with the set of antennas coupled tothe geotextile. Coupling includes warp knitting. The method furthercomprises cutting the geotextile with the set of antennas into sections.The method further comprises coupling connectors to each end of the setof antennas.

In yet another aspect, a method of installing a geotextile antennasystem comprises depositing a geotextile with a set of antennas andsecuring the geotextile with the set of antennas in place. The methodfurther comprises installing a power supply coupled to the geotextilewith the set of antennas. The method further comprises installing areceiver to receive signals from the geotextile with the set ofantennas. Depositing is selected from the group consisting of rollingout, laying out and hanging. Securing is selected from the groupconsisting of pouring asphalt and utilizing fasteners.

In another aspect, a method of installing a geotextile antenna systemcomprises depositing a geotextile and depositing one or more antennas onthe geotextile. The method further comprises installing a power supplycoupled to the one or more antennas. The method further comprisesinstalling a receiver to receive signals from the one or more antennas.Depositing a geotextile is selected from the group consisting of rollingout, laying out and hanging. The method further comprises securing thegeotextile and the one or more antennas in place. Securing is selectedfrom the group consisting of pouring asphalt and utilizing fasteners.

In another aspect, a network of geotextile antennas comprises aplurality of geotextile antennas wherein each of the geotextile antennascomprises a geotextile, one or more antennas positioned on thegeotextile for transmitting and receiving the signals and one or moreconnectors for coupling each of the geotextile antennas to a nextgeotextile antenna. The network further comprises a power source coupledto the one or more antennas for providing power. The power source isselected from the group consisting of a piezoelectric device, a solarpanel and a battery. The one or more antennas are coupled to each otherby a signal carrier. The geotextile is selected from the groupconsisting of nonwoven, knitted and woven fabrics. The one or moreantennas are selected from the group consisting of metallic wires,metallic fibers and a conductive polymer. The geotextile and the one ormore antennas are flexible. Locations of where the geotextile and theone or more antennas are placed include under roads and sidewalks,within foundations and tunnel walls, on roofs and building walls andaround trees. The geotextile includes electrically conductive componentsthat are approximately a resonant length. The geotextile and the one ormore antennas include at least one of electromagnetic, radio signal andfiber optic capabilities. The geotextile and the one or more antennastransmit at least one of cellular phone signals, television signals,radio signals and tracking signals. Fibers of the geotextile areselected from polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene. The one or moreantennas are embedded within the geotextile. The one or more antennaslie on top of the geotextile. The network further comprises a receiverfor receiving the signals from the one or more antennas. The one or moreantennas are configured perpendicular to a road. The one or moreantennas are selected from the group consisting of patch and dipoleantennas.

In yet another aspect, a system for delivering a service comprising ageotextile comprising a conductive material wherein the geotextile isable to carry the service from a first location to a second location.The service is selected from the group consisting of telephone,electricity, cable and Internet. The conductive material is selectedfrom the group consisting of a metal and a conductive polymer. Thegeotextile forms a grid. The geotextile is placed under a surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a cellular phone antenna.

FIG. 2 illustrates a graphical representation of a geotextile antenna.

FIG. 3A illustrates a graphical representation of a geotextile antennasystem.

FIG. 3B illustrates a graphical representation of an alternativeembodiment of a geotextile antenna system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical representation of an alternativeembodiment of a geotextile antenna.

FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical representation of a network of geotextileantennas.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a process of manufacturing ageotextile antenna.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a process of installing a geotextileantenna system.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a process of installing a geotextileantenna system wherein the geotextile and the antennas are not coupledtogether at manufacturing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides antennas that are much less susceptibleto destruction by embedding them in the infrastructure of roads,foundations, tunnel walls and other locations. Geotextile antennas areconstructed of nonwoven geotextile with embedded metallic or other wavecarrying wires/fibers. The geotextile antennas are also flexible,enabling them to easily conform to natural and manmade surfaces such astrees and exterior building surfaces (e.g. roofs, bridges). In aspecific application, geotextile antennas used in roadways are protectedby the asphalt pavement. Since geotextiles are already used in manyroadways, the new geotextile antenna serves dual purposes, roadreinforcement and cell phone/wireless antennas.

Modern cellular systems in the United States operate at a frequency ofapproximately 2 GHz (2×10⁹ Hz). Resonant length antennas are mostefficient. These lengths are approximately half the wavelength they areexpected to receive. Based on the above half-wavelength criterion,individual cellular antennas should be approximately 7.5 cm long. Toimprove the “gain,” groups of resonant length antennas are used. Forexample, the cell tower antenna in FIG. 1 uses six antenna elements toimprove gain over what would be achieved with a single patch.

To ensure resonant operation, the antenna length must be reduced by thesquare root of the dielectric constant of the material on which theantenna is placed (e.g. the patch antenna elements in FIG. 1).High-dielectric constant materials, including some geotextile materials,are able to be used to reduce the overall physical size of the antennaor antenna array. To be effective antennas, the geotextiles haveelectrically conductive parts that are close to the resonant length. Anovel manufacturing technique achieves this, as will be described below.

The fundamental antenna design principles above are able to be satisfiedusing metallic laden geotextile materials. Metallic threads (or threadbundles) of resonant length and spacing between bundle centers must alsobe on the order of a wavelength or less to avoid grating lobes(radiation in undesirable directions). Incorporation of electromagneticcapable, radio signal carrier and/or fiber optic technology intogeotextile structures allows the structures to replace antennas,transmission wires and fiber optic networks. Electrically conductivepolymers are also usable. This is also able to be applied as part of aresin matrix slurry or transmissible matrix media for compositestructures. Transmission and receiver materials are able to beincorporated in woven, knitted and/or nonwoven fabric structures.

The geotextile antenna is then able to serve as a continuous antenna andtransmission bed for cell phones, television signals, radio signals andtracking media. Further uses include providing the basis for trafficflow control on roads, interstate highways, railroads and airporttaxiways.

Various conventional and unconventional antenna materials are able to beused, provided they meet the criteria of transmission, reception,strength, compatibility with existing geotextile materials andperformance in structural textile fabrics.

Typically asphalt on major roadways ranges from 5 to 6.5 cm thick. Anyantenna planted below the roadway has to be capable of receiving andtransmitting signals of the appropriate wavelengths through thisthickness of asphalt. In applications that are not beneath asphalt, suchas on trees or roofs, the antennas do not require as muchreceiving/transmitting power. Furthermore, roadway overlays are usuallyonly 2.5 cm thick, so a less strong antenna is required. Conversely,applications where the antenna is below even thicker material, such asin a foundation of a house, even stronger antennas are required.

To provide power to the geotextile antennas, self actuated power sourcessuch as piezoelectric, pressure activated and solar conversion sourcesare possible, in addition to other power sources.

The structural fiber of the geotextiles is durable against hightemperature exposure since, for example, asphalt is applied at atemperature of about 140° C. Several commonly used fibers in geotextilesinclude polyester and polypropylene. High density polyethylene isanother possible material for use other than with asphalt since itsmelting point is lower than 140° C.

Hence, antennas are able to be built out of roadbed material and areable to be buried under asphalt and still transmit powerful signals.Preferably the antennas are dipole antennas. Dipole antennas are able tobe used with woven fabric where the antennas are directly integratedinto the geotextile. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art,other types of antennas are also able to be used as described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a graphical representation of a geotextile antenna200. The geotextile antenna 200 includes a geotextile 202, one or moreantennas 204, a signal carrier 206 and one or more connectors 208. Thegeotextile 202 is a woven or unwoven fabric which meets specifiedrequirements to allow proper signal conduction while also maintainingdurability. The one or more antennas 204 are preferably dipole antennaswhich are spaced appropriately to maximize the signal receiving andtransmitting capabilities while not wasting materials and avoidinginterference issues. The one or more antennas 204 are each of a lengthequal to a multiple of the broadcast frequency. Preferably, the antennasare dipole antennas. Alternatively, the antennas are other types ofantennas such as patch antennas. The signal carrier 206 couples each ofthe one or more antennas 204 together serially. At each end of thesignal carrier 206 is the connector 208, so that multiple geotextileantennas 200 are able to be coupled together. Preferably, the antennas204 run perpendicular to the road; however, alternative configurationsare possible. To provide redundancy in case the signal carrier 206 issevered, a second signal carrier is able to be positioned along the lineof antennas. Other redundancy configurations are also possible, such asa web of signal carriers.

FIG. 3A illustrates a graphical representation of a geotextile antennasystem 300. A power source 302 provides power necessary to operate thegeotextile antenna 200. The power source 302 couples to the geotextileantenna 200 depending on the manufacturing of the geotextile antenna200. For example, the power source 302 is able to couple to thegeotextile 202 (FIG. 2), or the power source 302 is able to couplethrough another mechanism to the geotextile antenna 200. The powersource 302 is able to be any power source such as a battery or a solarcell. The geotextile antenna 200 transmits a signal to a receiver 306.Depending on the capabilities of the receiver 306, the receiver 306either transmits the signal to another receiver such as to a basestation or a satellite, or otherwise, processes the signal. Preferably,the receiver 306 is at a distance from the antennas so that a minimalnumber of receivers are required, but near enough to ensure the signalwill be received.

FIG. 3B illustrates a graphical representation of an alternativeembodiment of a geotextile antenna system 300′. The geotextile antennasystem 300′ utilizes an underground power source 302′ such as apiezoelectric device wherein the weight of a vehicle generates a pulseof power. The geotextile antenna 200 transmits signals to the receiver306 as described above.

FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical representation of an alternativeembodiment of a geotextile antenna 400. The geotextile antenna 400includes a geotextile 402, one or more antennas 404, a signal carrier406, one or more connectors 408 and a sensing/computing component 410.The geotextile 402 is a woven or unwoven fabric which meets specifiedrequirements to allow proper signal conduction while also maintainingdurability. The one or more antennas 404 are preferably dipole antennaswhich are spaced appropriately to maximize the signal receiving andtransmitting capabilities while not wasting materials and also avoidinginterference issues. The one or more antennas 404 are each of a lengthequal to a multiple of the broadcast frequency. Preferably, the antennasare dipole antennas. In other embodiments, the antennas are other typesof antennas such as patch antennas. The signal carrier 406 couples eachof the one or more antennas 404 together serially. At each end of thesignal carriers 406 is the connector 408, so that multiple geotextileantennas 400 are able to be coupled together. Preferably, the antennas404 run perpendicular to the road; however, alternative configurationsare possible. The sensing/computing component 410 receives signals anddetermines actions to communicate based on the received signals. Forexample, when the geotextile antenna 400 is used to provide wirelessaccess to the Internet, data signals are received from users' computerswithin their vehicles. The sensing/computing component 410 receives andthen transmits this data to a receiver such as a base station which islinked to the Internet.

FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical representation of a network 500 ofgeotextile antennas 200. Each of the geotextile antennas 200 isdescribed above where antennas are coupled together with a signalcarrier on/within a geotextile. At the end of each signal carrier is aconnector for coupling the geotextile antennas 200 together. Bycombining the geotextile antennas 200 to form a network 500 ofgeotextile antennas 200, an entire roadway is able to become one hugeset of antennas and thus the entire infrastructure is able to be coupledat least partially to form an enormous network of antennas. Although thenetwork 500 as shown in FIG. 5 only includes geotextile antennas 200,any type of geotextile antennas are able to be included in the network500, for example the geotextile antennas 400 with the sensor/computingcomponent 410. By generating a network 500 of geotextile antennas 200,users will no longer suffer dropped calls or Internet dead zones. It ispossible for a number of the geotextile antennas 200 to share a powersource and/or a receiver. For example, a power source is strong enoughto support 50 of the geotextile antennas 200, and a receiver is capableof receiving signals from 20 of the geotextile antennas 200. The numberof geotextile antennas 200 per power source and receiver are dependenton the specific power sources, receivers and geotextile antennas used.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a process of manufacturing ageotextile antenna. In the step 600, a set of antennas are coupled to ageotextile, wherein the set of antennas is one or more antennas. The setof antennas are preferably coupled by a signal carrier. In the step 602,the geotextile and the set of antennas are rolled out. Specifically, inan embodiment, warp knitting machinery is able to be used to directlyintegrate the antennas into the geotextile. The end result of themanufacturing process is a geotextile with the set of antennas in along, relatively flat configuration similar to other textiles.Preferably, the set of antennas are coupled to each other by a signalcarrier. In the step 604, the geotextile with the set of antennas is cutinto sections as desired. Alternatively, the geotextile and antennas arenot cut into sections. In the step 606, connectors are attached to theends of the signal carriers so that each section of geotextile withantennas is able to couple to another section of geotextile withantennas.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a process of installing a geotextileantenna system. In the step 700, a geotextile with a set of antennas isdeposited. The geotextile with antennas is able to be deposited anywheresuch as on the ground where a road is to be laid over it, on a roof oron a tree. Furthermore, depositing the geotextile with antennas includesrolling out, laying out, hanging or any other method of placing thegeotextile with antennas in a desired location. In the step 702, thegeotextile with antennas is secured in place. The geotextile withantennas is secured in place utilizing any appropriate mechanism such aspouring asphalt on top or utilizing fasteners to couple the geotextilewith antennas to another object such as a tree or a roof. As describedbriefly above, the geotextile with antennas is deposited where signalsare able to be transmitted and received. Therefore, when being depositedbeneath a roadway, the geotextile with antennas is roughly 2″-6″ belowthe surface where the antennas have the requisite signal sensitivity andstrength. In additional steps, the power supply and receiver are alsoinstalled within appropriate distances as dictated by the capabilitiesof the antennas.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a process of installing a geotextileantenna system wherein the geotextile and the antennas are not coupledtogether at manufacturing. In the step 800, a geotextile is deposited.The geotextile is able to be deposited anywhere such as on the groundwhere a road is to be laid over it, on a roof, or on a tree.Furthermore, depositing the geotextile includes rolling out, laying out,hanging or any other method of placing the geotextile in a desiredlocation. In the step 802, one or more antennas are deposited on thegeotextile. The one or more antennas are deposited appropriately so thatthey are able to provide adequate signal reception and transmission. Theone or more antennas and geotextile are secured in place utilizing anappropriate mechanism such as pouring asphalt on top or fastening thegeotextile to an object and utilizing fasteners to couple the one ormore antennas to the geotextile. As described above, the power supplyand receiver are also installed within appropriate distances as dictatedby the capabilities of the antennas.

An example of installing the geotextile and the one or more antennas isdescribed. To install the geotextile and the one or more antennas undera roadway, the ground beneath the road is prepared, for example theground is flattened. Then the geotextile is laid out or rolled out ontothe flattened ground. The one or more antennas are then deposited on thegeotextile. For multiple antennas, they are coupled together utilizingconnectors. The antennas are coupled to a power source which is eitherabove ground such as a solar panel or below ground such as apiezoelectric sensor. Afterwards, the roadway (asphalt) is depositedover the antennas and the geotextile therefore securing them in place.Receivers are able to be positioned before or after the geotextile andantennas are secured in place.

To utilize the present invention, one or more antennas are coupled to orutilized with a geotextile, and the antennas and geotextile are placedin a desired location such as beneath a road, on a roof or around atree. Once in the desired location, the antennas receive and transmitsignals, so that users are able to receive and transmit signals from aplethora of devices. Depending on how the geotextile and antennas areconfigured a user is able to utilize the geotextile antenna system touse his/her cellular phone, the Internet and/or television amongst otheritems. Generally, the geotextile antenna system allows communicationbetween devices that otherwise is difficult, inefficient or insufficientsuch as communicating via cellular phone in a tunnel. For manyapplications, the user is not required to perform additional actions toutilize the present invention. For example, when a user is communicatingon his/her cellular phone without the present invention he/she simplycalls and talks. With the present invention, the same activities occur,except the reception is better. Similarly, to utilize the Internet via awireless connection, instead of searching around for a hotspot, with theroads Internet-capable, everywhere there is a road is able to be ahotspot. With specialized functions such as vehicle speed monitoring,vehicle tracking, traffic re-routing and accident avoidance, additionalsteps may be required to implement and utilize the present invention.Again though, the present invention generally is able to receive andtransmit wireless signals, so any implementation still utilizes thisgeneral concept.

In operation, the present invention enables wireless devices to receiveand transmit signals as long as the devices are within range of ageotextile antenna. The present invention is embedded within/underroads, attached to roofs, wrapped around trees and placed in otherlocations to permit reception and transmission of signals. By havingmultiple antennas in these locations, a signal which is too faint to bereceived by a cellular phone tower is received by the one or moreantennas and then is transmitted to either a base station, satellite orother system for transferring the signal to its desired destination. Inoperation, the present invention enables many new applications wheresignals are transmitted and received.

In addition to being used for cellular phones, the present invention isable to be used for any other wireless signal such as television,Internet and more. For example, a vehicle equipped with wireless cableis able to receive ESPN on an on-board television monitor. Additionally,Internet access is possible. Other systems are possible as well, such asone that tracks the vehicle and other vehicles around to take emergencymeasures to avoid collisions or reroute drivers when there is trafficahead. Police are able to use the present invention to monitor speeds ofvehicles since the speed of the vehicle is able to be recorded as eachvehicle passes an antenna. Speeding tickets are able to be automaticallygenerated. With a robust system, vehicles are able to be automaticallydriven whereby information such as navigational information is receivedfrom the geotextile antennas. Vehicles are able to be better trackedutilizing the present invention, for example, if a vehicle is stolen.Vehicles are able to also provide indications such as an alarm if adriver veers off the road due to fatigue. To prevent drunk driving, thepresent invention is able to incorporate an algorithm to monitor drivingpatterns, and if a pattern representative of a drunk driver isdetermined, local authorities are able to be informed. By incorporatingadditional circuitry in vehicles, not only are local authoritiescontacted, but the vehicle automatically pulls to the side of the roadand turns off if the drunk driving pattern is established. Additionally,non-vehicular uses are applicable as well. Many cities and buildings arebecoming Wi-Fi hotspots, however there are always small gaps where thesignals are not strong enough. With the present invention, inside andoutside, there is potential to provide adequate signals for everyone.Furthermore, the present invention is able to be used to assist pilotsin landing by providing airplane position information with respect tothe runway.

Beyond the use of an antenna supplying cellular phone signals, thepresent invention is able to be used to deliver services to homes andbusinesses such as telephone, cable, Internet and electrical powerthrough a grid under roads.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding ofprinciples of construction and operation of the invention. Suchreference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is notintended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will bereadily apparent to one skilled in the art that other variousmodifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustrationwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the claims.

1. A system for transmitting and receiving signals comprising: a. ageotextile; and b. one or more antennas positioned on the geotextile fortransmitting and receiving the signals.
 2. The system as claimed inclaim 1 further comprising a power source coupled to the one or moreantennas for providing power.
 3. The system as claimed in claim 2wherein the power source is selected from the group consisting of apiezoelectric device, a solar panel and a battery.
 4. The system asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more antennas are coupled to eachother by a signal carrier.
 5. The system as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe geotextile is selected from the group consisting of nonwoven,knitted and woven fabrics.
 6. The system as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe one or more antennas are selected from the group consisting ofmetallic wires, metallic fibers and a conductive polymer.
 7. The systemas claimed in claim 1 wherein the geotextile and the one or moreantennas are flexible.
 8. The system as claimed in claim 1 whereinlocations of where the geotextile and the one or more antennas areplaced include under roads and sidewalks, within foundations and tunnelwalls, on roofs and building walls and around trees.
 9. The system asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the geotextile includes electricallyconductive components that are approximately a resonant length.
 10. Thesystem as claimed in claim 1 wherein the geotextile and the one or moreantennas include at least one of electromagnetic, radio signal and fiberoptic capabilities.
 11. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein thegeotextile and the one or more antennas transmit at least one ofcellular phone signals, television signals, radio signals and trackingsignals.
 12. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein fibers of thegeotextile are selected from polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene.13. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more antennasare embedded within the geotextile.
 14. The system as claimed in claim 1wherein the one or more antennas lie on top of the geotextile.
 15. Thesystem as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a receiver for receivingthe signals from the one or more antennas.
 16. The system as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the one or more antennas are configured perpendicular toa road.
 17. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or moreantennas are selected from the group consisting of patch and dipoleantennas.
 18. The system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising one ormore connectors for coupling the one or more antennas to anotherconnector.
 19. A system for transmitting and receiving signalscomprising: a. a geotextile; b. one or more antennas positioned on thegeotextile for transmitting and receiving the signals; c. a power sourcecoupled to the one or more antennas for providing power to the one ormore antennas; and d. a receiver for receiving signals from the one ormore antennas.
 20. The system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the powersource is selected from the group consisting of a piezoelectric device,a solar panel and a battery.
 21. The system as claimed in claim 19wherein the one or more antennas are coupled to each other by a signalcarrier.
 22. The system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the geotextile isselected from the group consisting of nonwoven, knitted and wovenfabrics.
 23. The system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the one or moreantennas are selected from the group consisting of metallic wires,metallic fibers and a conductive polymer.
 24. The system as claimed inclaim 19 wherein the geotextile and the one or more antennas areflexible.
 25. The system as claimed in claim 19 wherein locations ofwhere the geotextile and the one or more antennas are placed includeunder roads and sidewalks, within foundations and tunnel walls, on roofsand building walls and around trees.
 26. The system as claimed in claim19 wherein the geotextile includes electrically conductive componentsthat are approximately a resonant length.
 27. The system as claimed inclaim 19 wherein the geotextile and the one or more antennas include atleast one of electromagnetic, radio signal and fiber optic capabilities.28. The system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the geotextile and the oneor more antennas serve to transmit at least one of cellular phonesignals, television signals, radio signals and tracking signals.
 29. Thesystem as claimed in claim 19 wherein fibers of the geotextile areselected from polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene.
 30. The systemas claimed in claim 19 wherein the one or more antennas are embeddedwithin the geotextile.
 31. The system as claimed in claim 19 wherein theone or more antennas lie on top of the geotextile.
 32. The system asclaimed in claim 19 wherein the one or more antennas are configuredperpendicular to a road.
 33. The system as claimed in claim 19 whereinthe one or more antennas are selected from the group consisting of patchand dipole antennas.
 34. The system as claimed in claim 19 furthercomprising one or more connectors for coupling the one or more antennasto another connector.
 35. A method of manufacturing a geotextile antennacomprising coupling one or more antennas to a geotextile.
 36. The methodas claimed in claim 35 wherein the antennas are coupled to each other toform a set of antennas.
 37. The method as claimed in claim 35 furthercomprising rolling out the geotextile with the set of antennas coupledto the geotextile.
 38. The method as claimed in claim 35 whereincoupling includes warp knitting.
 39. The method as claimed in claim 35further comprising cutting the geotextile with the set of antennas intosections.
 40. The method as claimed in claim 35 further comprisingcoupling connectors to each end of the set of antennas.
 41. A method ofinstalling a geotextile antenna system comprising: a. depositing ageotextile with a set of antennas; and b. securing the geotextile withthe set of antennas in place.
 42. The method as claimed in claim 41further comprising installing a power supply coupled to the geotextilewith the set of antennas.
 43. The method as claimed in claim 41 furthercomprising installing a receiver to receive signals from the geotextilewith the set of antennas.
 44. The method as claimed in claim 41 whereindepositing is selected from the group consisting of rolling out, layingout and hanging.
 45. The method as claimed in claim 41 wherein securingis selected from the group consisting of pouring asphalt and utilizingfasteners.
 46. A method of installing a geotextile antenna systemcomprising: a. depositing a geotextile; and b. depositing one or moreantennas on the geotextile.
 47. The method as claimed in claim 46further comprising installing a power supply coupled to the one or moreantennas.
 48. The method as claimed in claim 46 further comprisinginstalling a receiver to receive signals from the one or more antennas.49. The method as claimed in claim 46 wherein depositing a geotextile isselected from the group consisting of rolling out, laying out andhanging.
 50. The method as claimed in claim 46 further comprisingsecuring the geotextile and the one or more antennas in place.
 51. Themethod as claimed in claim 50 wherein securing is selected from thegroup consisting of pouring asphalt and utilizing fasteners.
 52. Anetwork of geotextile antennas comprising a plurality of geotextileantennas wherein each of the geotextile antennas comprises: a. ageotextile; b. one or more antennas positioned on the geotextile fortransmitting and receiving the signals; and c. one or more connectorsfor coupling each of the geotextile antennas to a next geotextileantenna.
 53. The network as claimed in claim 52 further comprising apower source coupled to the one or more antennas for providing power.54. The network as claimed in claim 53 wherein the power source isselected from the group consisting of a piezoelectric device, a solarpanel and a battery.
 55. The network as claimed in claim 52 wherein theone or more antennas are coupled to each other by a signal carrier. 56.The network as claimed in claim 52 wherein the geotextile is selectedfrom the group consisting of nonwoven, knitted and woven fabrics. 57.The network as claimed in claim 52 wherein the one or more antennas areselected from the group consisting of metallic wires, metallic fibersand a conductive polymer.
 58. The network as claimed in claim 52 whereinthe geotextile and the one or more antennas are flexible.
 59. Thenetwork as claimed in claim 52 wherein locations of where the geotextileand the one or more antennas are placed include under roads andsidewalks, within foundations and tunnel walls, on roofs and buildingwalls and around trees.
 60. The network as claimed in claim 52 whereinthe geotextile includes electrically conductive components that areapproximately a resonant length.
 61. The network as claimed in claim 52wherein the geotextile and the one or more antennas include at least oneof electromagnetic, radio signal and fiber optic capabilities.
 62. Thenetwork as claimed in claim 52 wherein the geotextile and the one ormore antennas transmit at least one of cellular phone signals,television signals, radio signals and tracking signals.
 63. The networkas claimed in claim 52 wherein fibers of the geotextile are selectedfrom polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene.
 64. The network asclaimed in claim 52 wherein the one or more antennas are embedded withinthe geotextile.
 65. The network as claimed in claim 52 wherein the oneor more antennas lie on top of the geotextile.
 66. The network asclaimed in claim 52 further comprising a receiver for receiving thesignals from the one or more antennas.
 67. The network as claimed inclaim 52 wherein the one or more antennas are configured perpendicularto a road.
 68. The network as claimed in claim 52 wherein the one ormore antennas are selected from the group consisting of patch and dipoleantennas.
 69. A system for delivering a service comprising a geotextilecomprising a conductive material wherein the geotextile is able to carrythe service from a first location to a second location.
 70. The systemas claimed in claim 69 wherein the service is selected from the groupconsisting of telephone, electricity, cable and Internet.
 71. The systemas claimed in claim 69 wherein the conductive material is selected fromthe group consisting of a metal and a conductive polymer.
 72. The systemas claimed in claim 69 wherein the geotextile forms a grid.
 73. Thesystem as claimed in claim 69 wherein the geotextile is placed under asurface.